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Halloween Fun!

Still looking for something new and different to do this Halloween? With the weekend coming and Halloween on a Tuesday, I feel like we have a fun excuse to make plans for the weekend AND for Halloween. Of course, with little ones, we’ll be Trick-or-Treating on Tuesday night, however, a fun date night may be in order for Saturday night! If you’re like me and looking to make some plans, here are some fun ideas I came up with. Maybe we’ll see y’all around town!

  1. Date Night – Adults-only and super scary – The Sleepy Hollow Experience

This spooky production takes place at night at the Serenbe Stables as attendees follow the action. There’s even a real headless horseman. Yikes! I’ve got goosebumps already! The production will be going on through November 5th but sells out so make plans as soon as possible. Get more info and tickets at www.serenbeplayhouse.com.

  1. Date Night – Fun with lots of laughs – The Rocky Horror Show

This live performance is frighteningly funny and great for lots of singing, laughs, and insane audience participation! If you’re not sure what I mean, watch the classic movie with your sweetie before you go. The production is going through November 5th and being held at the Out Front Theatre Company, www.outfronttheatre.com.

  1. Kid-friendly – Fun outside Atlanta – Scarecrow Trail and Pumpkin Fest, North Georgia Zoo

If you are up for a little adventure outside the city, check out the North Georgia Zoo for lots of kid-approved Halloween fun. Every weekend in October they’ve transformed the zoo into scarecrow themed fun with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Visit http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com/scarecrow-trail–pumpkin-fest.html for more information.

  1. Kid-friendly – Super cool trick-or-treating – Legoland

This is the final weekend that Legoland is hosting its unique take on Halloween with “Brick or Treat.” Stop by for a scavenger hunt, costume contest, and trick or treating…all Legoland style. You can get more information at https://atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/whats-inside/events/brick-or-treat/.

Happy Halloween y’all! Have a great weekend and Halloween night! Do you have any unique and fun ideas for Halloween? Leave a comment below and let us know how you will be spending it.

~Jess

P.S. My passion as a Realtor® is helping folks just like you have an uncomplicated real estate purchase or sale here in Atlanta. As a 3rd generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney, my expertise is at your disposal for expert advice and experience. Let me know how I can help you!

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Been thinking about an investment property?

If you have considered buying an investment property, now is an ideal time here in Atlanta! Now, I’m not a financial advisor, but I think a financial advisor would agree that buying real estate can be a great way to diversify your investments.

As for the rental market in Atlanta, it’s looking good! The rental website Zumper just came out with its most recent report on rental trends in Atlanta and get this, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom here has gone up 3.7 percent this year to $1,330. Add to that the home price appreciation level sits at 5.28 percent, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. With the housing market so favorable and mortgage rates still at great levels, now is a great time to explore whether property investment is right for you. So, if you’re interested, what can you do to begin exploring your options?

1              Run the numbers – First, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to buy. You may want to make a call to your mortgage loan officer to run some numbers with you based on how much money you have as a down payment and how much loan you could qualify for. Once you know approximately what your monthly costs would be, then you can figure out how much rent you’ll need to make to make have positive cash flow.

2              Start looking at some possible properties – What kind of property you buy is a big decision. There are definitely lots of options, depending on how involved in your property you want to be. Consider whether you’re most interested in an apartment, condo, townhouse or a single-family home? Do you want to own a relatively hands-off apartment? Or are you interested in buying a home and improving it? There are lots of options to consider that I can walk through with you.

3              Create the ideal scenario – Now that we know the financial model that we need to follow, as well as your budget for a property; and you have an idea of the type of landlord you’d like to be as well as the property you’re looking for we can focus in on the local properties on the market. Then we can take a look at potential properties and find just the right investment for you.

So, yes, buying an investment property in Atlanta can be a great way to build wealth for your future. I’m happy to guide you through all the scenarios and properties available as well as walk you through determining your financial model including cash flow and ROI. Let’s work together to help you make the best decision for your financial goals.

~Jess